Dozens rescued and several hurt after ferry smashes into Hampshire pier

The vessel struck Hythe pier in Hampshire at around 9.20pm last night, leaving 23 people to be rescued from the boat.

The incident severely damaged the wheelhouse – the part of the boat where the captain sits.

Three people were reportedly treated for neck and back injuries on scene.

Olivia Pearce, who was on board at the time of the crash, said: "We only knew it was going to crash when the crew shouted 'brace' which nobody did because we were expecting it to crash sideways because that's how the ferry normally docks against the jetty.

"But, it just ploughed on into the pier and the wheelhouse collapsed.

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RESCUE: 23 people were rescued from the vessel

“All the passengers were fine and the crew were fantastic”

Olivia Pearce

"All the passengers were fine and the crew were fantastic."

She added the situation was assessed quickly and lifejackets handed out to ensure safety.

Coastguards confirmed they were called in the evening and sent teams from Southampton and Lymington which are near Hythe on the coastline.

Calshot Lifeboat and Calshot Inshore Lifeboat were also called out, along with the South Central Ambulance Service, Hampshire Fire and Rescue Service, Hampshire Police and Southampton Vessel Traffic Services.

According to Sath Naidoo, operations manager at Hythe Ferry, the vessel became "wedged" under the pier when it crashed.

Pete Thornton, a passenger on board at the time, said the boat was moving quickly as it approached Hythe.

"One of the crew said 'we're having technical problems so it might be a hard landing," said Mr Thornton.